Wake Panel Devises Plan to Handle Stormwater

Raleigh, N.C. — Computer models, tighter restrictions and a call center to handle questions and complaints are among the steps Wake County should take to address stormwater issues as the county grows, a panel said Tuesday.

The Wake County Stormwater Management Task Force, a 38-member group appointed two years ago, presented its recommendations and five-year implementation plan to the Board of Commissioners Tuesday and asked that the board adopt the recommendations at its Nov. 19 meeting.

"The Board of Commissioners is constantly working to build foundations for the future of Wake County. We plan for transportation, schools, economic development and public safety every day. We must continue to plan for stormwater as well," board Chairman Kenn Gardner said in a statement.

The task force recommended a five-year implementation plan. User fees would pay for almost three-fifths of the $7.8 million cost, with the county picking up about a third of the cost and the 12 municipalities splitting the remaining 9 percent.

If the recommendations are approved, county staff would begin implementing the following steps:

• Create a model of the stormwater system that focuses on the most critical watersheds so officials can understand flooding, predict floodplain changes and protect citizens and their homes.

• Identify construction sites where erosion is likely to occur to prevent erosion and stream pollution.

• Meet with potential partners to establish interlocal agreements, such as a common stormwater ordinance, so the county can minimize future erosion and address flooding.

"Each of the nine Stormwater Management Task Force recommendations is extremely important," Gardner said. "They must be implemented together and paired with a solid public education program in order to protect our waters and maintain the high quality of life we enjoy in Wake County."